Digital, cashless economy 'difficult' for India, says former PM H D Deve Gowda

H D Deve Gowda, former Prime Minister and JDS supremo said on Saturday that a digital and cashless economy was “difficult” for India and the situation of farmers after government’s demonetisation move has become “worrisome”.

“The positive and negative effects after demonetisation have to be seen. It has been 40 to 45 days now, they (Union government) themselves have realised that it is not an easy task,” Gowda said.

Speaking to reporters after meeting coconut growers, he said, “Cashless, digital economy is difficult for us. The situation is such that day-by-day the condition of farmers has turned worrisome.”

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Gowda, who had implemented a voluntary Disclosure Scheme (VDS) to unearth black money during his tenure as Prime Minister during 1996-97, has been critical of the Narendra Modi government’s demonetisation move. He has previously accused the government of carrying out demonetisation in a “haphazard” manner causing “unimaginable sufferings” to the people.

Gowda also urged the central and the state governments to look into the issues faced by farmers growing plantation crops like coconut and areca nut, and address them. He said “it is the duty of government to protect the interest of the farmers, and both the Centre and state have responsibility to bear.”